Just for comparison. In the US, where I lived for several years as a student, there's no such thing as MPS. The resident with problem writes to or calls up the Congress Representative's office for an appointment. All Congress Representatives maintain their own offices with at least a clerk or secretary. Expenses can be claimed to certain limits. They handle legislative matters only. Municipal (equivalent to our Town Council) issues are handled by Mayors separatedly elected.
That is something regarding our system which I cannot understand too. Why must our MPs concern themselves with whether the rubbish is collected, drains are unclogged, grass are cut etc.? MPs should only be concerned about national issues. Municipal issues are to be looked after by City or Town Councillers are must be separately elected. Like LTK say in his rallies, this is "uniquely Singapore".